October 26, 2004

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced today that the Department of Labor and Economic Growth’s Rehabilitation Services helped 7,110 Michiganians with disabilities prepare and find jobs during fiscal year 2004.

The job placements represent a 6.6 percent increase over fiscal year 2003, when 6,670 individuals with disabilities were assisted into the job market.

“The increased efficiency of our services -- coupled with a greater emphasis on teamwork among employers, community partners and our own staff -- has helped more Michigan residents with disabilities to become employed,” Governor Granholm said.

“The benefits to these newly employed workers are self-sufficiency and enhanced self-esteem,” she said. “The benefits to Michigan are lowered public assistance costs and greater tax dollars to support the state’s economy.”

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) operates 36 offices across the state offering an array of services to help adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment. Services are tailored for each individual and can include vocational counseling, aptitude testing, job training, job-seeking skills classes, and job placement assistance, among others.

Employers can also receive help with disability-related issues, such as consultation on the Americans with Disabilities Act, workstation accommodations, and disability tax credits.

For more information about MRS, call 1-800-605-6722 (voice) or 1-888-605-6722 (TTY), or log onto www.michigan.gov/mrs.